Star Eater

The Drunken Cloud     

"Well, let me know when Lunch is. There are a few things I need to look over." Arthur informed our group.     

Amused, I stopped Alwin by putting the back of my hand on his chest when he raised his hand to stop Arthur. "What does the Knight of Lestrania need to look over on an airship?"     

The Zugal Sergeant and Captain Adam looked to him as he glanced back at me. "Unlike your attire, mine has meaning. I'm going to be putting on my armor and carrying my sword with me now." He answered before heading down into the ship's depths.     

"He seems amusing." The Captain stated, and I lowered my hand from Alwin's chest.     

"I think he knows more than he is letting on." I stated and turned my gaze to the Zugal. "What do you think?" I asked her.     

She merely bowed and quickly scampered off. "I don't know!"     

My eyes went back to the deck where Arthur disappeared to, and the curiosity in me started to grow even more. Perhaps the Priestesses were right to be so wary. The man takes charge and gives little room for negotiation. Especially when he knows he has the upper hand.     

"I think I will also look into my room as well, Captain. Should you need us, merely give us a call." I told him.     

Nodding, he bowed and replied. "Of course, but are you truly okay with him being in command?"     

"I have no reason to question his decision. Arthur's skill speaks for itself. I learned that firsthand, as did General Alwin." Then I looked over my shoulder at him. "Is that not correct, General?" Alwin nodded in agreement, begrudgingly.     

"What will you be doing in the meantime?" The Captain asked me politely.     

Smiling at him, I answered. "As I said, going over my room. Until later." With a curt nod directed towards him, Alwin and I headed down below. "This might be more interesting than I thought."     

Alwin walked behind me as we headed towards my quarters. "Do you really think it wise to antagonize Sir Arthur?"     

"Do you think he is a man that cares about etiquette after he called both priestesses, and I quote, 'a bunch of bitches' and would care about playful banter?" I asked him. "No. There is something off about him though. Something about the way he moves and drives conversations when more serious matters are brou-" I was cut off as I bumped into someone. "Pardon me." When I looked at who I ran into, I paused because no one was there.     

"Sorry." I heard from below and looked to see Typhon along with another boy present.     

"Typhon!?" Alwin shouted in shock. "What are you doing here!?"     

Arthur's Point of View     

The Drunken Cloud     

Talking with Lucia put a burden on my mind. Flashes of Mara came to the surface, which then spiraled into more. Aydan and Elias. Thana… My time on Earth and on the Moon. The blackhole along with the Star Creature. Things seemed to descend further and further. It felt as though my breathing had stopped until a pounding on the door woke me from my waking nightmare.     

My gasping for air alarmed the others on the other side of the door as they rushed in. As they did so, I saw my energy start to flail about. Almost as if it were going crazy. It struck my arm, and my breath caught in my throat before it slammed into my back like it was attacking me. I didn't know why it was happening, but I forced it under control as I forced oxygen into my lungs.     

Ziah and Captain Adam, who entered, came to a stop as they saw me sitting there with my head back as I sucked in as much air as I could. Ziah rushed to my side, but I held up my hand to stop her. Looking past her, I saw Alwin and Lucia just outside the doorway, which irked me even more.     

Turning away from her with a small snarl, I spoke between breaths. "What… Do you… Want?" I asked the group.     

"Are you okay!?" Ziah inquired.     

"Maybe he needs water?" Lucia stated.     

Holding up my hand to stop them all, I replied. "I'm fine." My breathing was more under control now. "Why're you all here?" I asked.     

Lucia moved between the other two to examine me and grabbed my arm. "You are obviously not fine!" She said in a raised tone. "Do we have a heale-"     

Yanking my arm from her grip, I stood and replied. "I'm fine…" Was my more firm reply as my breathing finally evened out. "Now, why are you here?"     

Looking over to the others that came in, Captain Adam stepped inside the already crowded room. "Well, it would appear that there were some stowaways on the ship."     

"Stowaways? This is a military airship, is it not?" I asked, and he nodded. "How in the world was anyone able to sneak onboard?"     

To my surprise, Alwin moved out of the doorway to reveal Austin and Typhon. "With their family name a very clever story, apparently." The Elf General stated in a disapproving tone.     

Rubbing my face in annoyance, I felt it was covered in sweat, and I ignored it as I moved over to the boys. "We have no choice but to turn around. Taking Austin and Typhon home is a must."     

Typhon quickly moved in front of me and looked up at me with begging eyes. "Please don't." He said in a pleading tone with improper phrasing.     

Quirking a brow at him, I replied as I crossed my arms. "Why should I allow you to stay? Either of you?" My questions were directed toward both boys.     

Austin walked next to Typhon and answered. "Because we don't wanna go home!"